Student Leadership in Uncertain Times: Insights from the ‘Leader in Me’ Program in Arab Schools

• In Event: School Effectiveness and School Improvement in Turbulent Times: Contemporary Issues and Future Directions

Abstract

This paper investigates the critical role of student leadership in promoting school development during periods of uncertainty. The Leader in Me program, a transformative initiative based on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People developed by Stephen Covey and followed in more than 7000 schools worldwide, is the subject of this study, which analyses the program's implementation using qualitative insights from Arab countries. The program aims to create a positive culture that enhances leadership abilities and instill a sense of accountability for students' personal development and school advancement (Humphries et al., 2015; Lawton-Misr & Pretorius, 2021). Additionally, this study aims to explore how student leadership can contribute to school resilience and adaptability in the face of socio-political challenges, such as economic instability, migration, and cultural shifts.

Author

• Rania Sawalhi, University of Jordan